Whole Grains and Wanderings

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Buddy Brew & My New Caffeine Addiction

May 2013

My online budget tracker has a tendency to turn my coffee consumption into a cold, hard reality, but we hedonists like to say things like “life is too short for bad __________.” Food, wine, coffee, sex, etc. In the realm of first-world problems, coffee is definitely a noun worth inserting in that sentence. When expecting that rich, nutty flavor and the accompanying energy boost, a bitter, burned taste could convert my normal demeanor into a fit of rage. On the other hand, a proper cup makes time pass slower and moments richer. If I lived in Tampa (where my best friend calls an adorable bungalow home), I would be richer in slow sipping, coffee moments and poorer in dollars all because of one drink- the Buddy Brew Cold Brew Frothy Top!

Upon opening the door to Buddy Brew, one is confronted with a bright, red, coffee-roasting apparatus. It’s a thing of beauty and an amazing sign for the coffee one is about to consume.

I am familiar with the cold brew coffee method, but what was this “frothy top” the menu described? As it turns out, it’s my new favorite way of drinking an icy coffee. First, you select your add-ons of choice (half & half in my case). Then the barista adds the 18-hour cold brew, your add-on and ice in a cocktail shaker. A few arm frenzies later, you’re drinking the intense, nutty flavor of the long brewing process with an icy, foamy, creamy texture on top. It’s the perfect caffeinated response to summer.

About Me!

I'm the recipe developer, stylist, photographer and crazy dog lady behind With The Grains. I believe there's magic in baking bread, whipping cream and setting the table a little differently each time. I believe true health begins in the soil, is nurtured organically and should arrive at our tables with great care. Whether you're vegan, gluten-free or eat meat, you'll find a recipe here for you, so I hope you will join me in this conversation.

“The Rustbelt Farmer”

He has a name, but around here, I simply refer to him as “The Rustbelt Farmer.” I met him just as his urban farm dreams were taking shape, and I fell head over dirty boots for him. When I'm not in the kitchen or behind a camera, I try to be digging in the dirt alongside him. He inspires many a recipe.

The Kitchen Assistant / The Farmpaw

Never one to let a fallen crumb go to waste, Julep is always close to the kitchen action. When she's not sniffing around the photo sets, she is working overtime to keep the groundhogs from eating all the Urban Farmer's produce.